11 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operations in KP, Balochistan

Security forces killed 11 terrorists during intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday, citing security sources.

According to the state broadcaster, the terrorists belonged to Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan.

The state uses the term Fitna al Khawarij for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and refers to designated Balochistan-based groups as Fitna al Hindustan to highlight India’s role in terrorism and destabilisation across Pakistan.

“In Bannu, security forces conducted an IBO against Fitna al Khawarij, killing two terrorists and recovering weapons and ammunition,” Radio Pakistan reported.

In the Ladha area of South Waziristan, five Khawarij terrorists were killed during an operation, it added.

Meanwhile, four terrorists belonging to Fitna al Hindustan were killed in the Sasool area of Khuzdar district, it said.

“Security forces effectively targeted Fitna al Hindustan terrorists with the assistance of [a] quadcopter,” the report said.

President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operation, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.

“The elimination of terrorist elements active with foreign support is essential for national security and lasting peace,” the president was quoted as saying.

“We will rid Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism,” he said, adding that the nation took pride in the professional capabilities and successes of the security forces and law enforcement agencies.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the security forces for their successful operations against the terrorists, according to a statement issued by his ministry.

He said that security forces had thwarted the terrorists’ nefarious designs by taking timely action. The minister said the nation stood united against terrorism and in solidarity with the security forces.

On Aug 21, the military’s media affairs wing said security forces eliminated 49 terrorists in separate IBOs in KP and Balochistan.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, an Islamabad-based think tank, violence linked to terrorist attacks and counterterrorism operations intensified sharply in July, making it the deadliest month of 2026, with 112 security personnel among 205 people killed.

According to the report, the security situation deteriorated most significantly in Balochistan, where the overall death toll increased by 241 per cent, from 109 in June to 372 in July, followed closely by mainland KP, which recorded 154 deaths in July, compared with 75 in June, representing an increase of 105pc.